Wednesday, March 4, 2009
And on the Big Screen.....AHS Staff Featured in Recent Media Releases
Recently, High Tech High chose to profile future AHS Humanities teacher John Fisher and his students in a video entitled Casting Shadows. As part of his student’s unit on philosophy, John required the completion of a student-created shadow puppet production exploring the idea of enlightenment. John reached out to his local community and brought in the San Diego Guild of Puppetry to work with his students. Together they explored the history of Shadow Theater, discussed the arts’ relevance and importance around the world and introduced the students to performance techniques and production skills. “I think they enjoyed doing some pretty rigorous content and then having such a fun kind of vehicle to play with…” says Fisher.
And who wouldn’t agree with that? When you watch this video, witness the passion and engagement exemplified by both the teacher and his students. Another fine example of how application and project-based curriculum can foster mastery in a variety of subjects. Terrific work, John. We are looking forward to you bringing your ideas and talents as an educator to Durango!
See this amazing video by following the link below:
http://www.hightechhigh.org/dc/index.php
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I’ve always found mathematics difficult. I was an average math student until high school where encounters with classes like algebra, geometry and physics left me befuddled, confused and barely passing. I had grim expectations for college until I had an epiphany my sophomore year. Over the years I had pretty much decided that I just wasn’t good at math and never would be. But my tune changed when I started to discover mathematic applications in all realms of my personal pursuit of passion, snowboarding.
Snowboarding has always been a source of much joy in my life. As I’ve progressed as a rider, I’ve learned amazing things about every aspect of sliding downhill under the influence of gravity. From the physics and forces that power my turns, to the equations and technology that keep me safe in avalanche terrain; there is no doubt that math and science play a prominent role in the sport. Using snowboarding as a vehicle to achieve competence and help me understand concepts I had previously given up on has been incredibly empowering. I also began dissecting other outdoor sports I loved like rock and ice climbing, kayaking and mountain biking. This personal experience convinced me that our passions and our interests, our avocations and our pursuits can and do provide us profound avenues for learning. We just have to be on the look out for those opportunities.
For many years before coming to Animas High, I have led and taught various snowboarding and avalanche courses throughout North America. How excited I was when Outward Bound released a five part series of videos highlighting the curriculum and courses I’ve facilitated out of OB’s winter basecamp in Leadville, CO. The following is a link to one of the videos highlighting our avalanche safety and training program. This course is a great example of starting in the classroom with direct instruction and then transitioning into the field to apply and master material through a hands on approach. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn5uAXBKEOg